Though the hard facts say otherwise, the Cleveland Guardians may be running out of time to give Steven Kwan a contract extension. If they want to keep the All-Star left fielder beyond when he can become a free agent, they likely have to act now.
Kwan is under team control through the 2027 season, which may seem like plenty of time to get a long-term deal done. However, baseball economics show that it isn’t quite that simple.
That is why insider Paul Hoynes is sending a warning to the Guardians about Kwan’s extension, pointing out that the 28-year-old would have no reason to agree to one as he gets closer to hitting the open market.
“I would think if you want to sign [Steven Kwan] to an extension, you’ve probably got to get it done this spring,” Hoynes said on the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast. “Because if you don’t get it this year, he’s one year away from free agency, and that’s nearly impossible to sign a player to an extension then, unless you just blow them away.”
Kwan reportedly was willing to commit to the Guardians for the long term, but the sides have been unable to come to an agreement. That could be because the organization is notoriously thrifty when it comes to such matters, or it believes it eventually needs to make room for the outfield prospects in its farm system.
Cleveland kept Kwan through last season’s trade deadline, despite receiving multiple offers. That decision paid off as the Guardians rallied to make the playoffs, winning the AL Central for the second year in a row.
However, rumors keep popping up, with the Gold Glove winner linked to several teams. Kwan is expected to be the leadoff hitter for the Guardians this season, but if he is not traded during spring training, he could become a target again at this season’s deadline, especially if Cleveland is not in contention.
The Guardians agreed to a long-term contract extension with Jose Ramirez, which should keep the superstar third baseman with the franchise for the rest of his career. However, the deal was for far below market value for a player of his caliber, and it is unclear if Kwan is willing to extend the same hometown discount, despite being a fan favorite.
Until this situation is resolved, either with a new contract or a trade, Kwan’s future with the Guardians will remain a potential distraction.
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